Banking Nightmares
Printer-friendly version (PDF) In true guy fashion, when watching TV I like to flip from one channel to another, searching for the always elusive ultimate program. However, there is one…
Burgers and Bankers
Printer-friendly version (PDF) The Memorial Day food choice at the party I attended almost literally made the tables groan: steak, hot dogs, crab cakes, various salads, and vegetables. Among the…
The Innovation Killing Bank
Printer-friendly version (PDF) At many banks innovation in the SME space and elsewhere is dead. Bankers may throw the innovation word around, and a few may actually practice it, but…
The 21st Century Relationship Manager
Printer-friendly version (PDF) What are some of the likely characteristics of the banking world in which Relationship Managers (RMs) will operate over the next three-five years? – Increased customer self…
The Relationship Manager: Business Critical or Dinosaur?
Printer-friendly version (PDF) Recounting stories of when I was a middle market relationship manager (RM) several decades (!) ago always results in something approaching shock and awe on the part…
Will Big Banks Ever Be Good at Small Business?
Printer-friendly version (PDF) Big banks created the alternative finance industry. They handed a growth opportunity on a silver platter to entrepreneurs and private equity investors. How? As the economy soured…
Are Alternative Lenders Evil?
Printer-friendly version (PDF) In the course of a client engagement, we were interviewing a number of banks concerning their knowledge of and interest in working with alternative finance companies (AFCs),…
Approaches for Banks with Microbusinesses
Printer-friendly version (PDF) Last time we focused on the reasons for banks and credit unions to consider working with alternative finance companies (AFCs). Among the benefits: improved customer service, increased…
Alternative Finance: Teaming for Success
Printer-friendly version (PDF) Our recent focus has centered on microbusinesses, the smallest of companies that include more than 90 percent of all businesses. As noted in our prior comments, microbusinesses…
Succeeding With Microbusinesses
Printer-friendly version (PDF) Last time, we discussed the 90%+ of businesses that many term microbusinesses, that is, companies generally with revenues less than $1 million. To generate acceptable returns from…